The first monopiles for the BC-Wind offshore wind farm, being developed by Ocean Winds, have arrived at the port of Świnoujście. This marks the start of logistical preparations for the installation of foundations in the Baltic Sea. For the first time, Polish port infrastructure has been used to handle a delivery of foundations of this type.

The monopiles arrived at Świnoujście Offshore Terminal, which Ocean Winds has leased since September this year. Their arrival at a Polish port marks not only the beginning of preparations for piling the foundations into the seabed, but also the first time that components of this size have been received at a Polish offshore terminal. It demonstrates that Polish infrastructure — and the Polish companies involved — are ready to handle similar projects in the Baltic Sea.

“Receiving the first monopiles at a Polish port is an important milestone in the BC-Wind project and another step in the development of Poland’s offshore wind sector. Handling oversized structures requires precise coordination and efficient organisation of port operations. We are pleased to be able to involve Polish companies in these activities, while also providing opportunities to gain practical experience and develop the skills of local teams, thereby supporting the growth of the domestic supply chain. We are confident that the experience gained through projects of this kind will pay dividends in future offshore wind developments,” said Pete Geddes, BC-Wind Project Director.

According to Ocean Winds, the handling of monopiles and transition pieces (TPs), as well as support for unloading operations in Świnoujście, is being provided by Dynpap, a company based in Szczecin. The two companies have previously worked together on the Moray West offshore wind farm project in the UK. Team Project, based in Modrzew, is also responsible for preparing the terminal, including preparing the ground for foundation unloading and repairing the surface during the works.

A self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT), designed to carry oversized loads, will be used to move the monopiles around the terminal in Świnoujście.

“Given the weight and dimensions of the monopiles, transport operations using SPMTs require the port infrastructure to be suitably protected with steel plates. The Polish company MAG Offshore, based in Gdynia, will be responsible for delivering these plates to the installation port.

“Once the monopiles have been unloaded, Dynpap will continue its work in the storage area and on the construction site. Its tasks will include installing equipment inside the monopiles and transition pieces (TPs), carrying out paint repairs and touching up protective coatings. Dynpap will also provide logistical and transport support, as well as auxiliary services related to the handling of the structures and the ongoing execution of work on them,” Ocean Winds said in a statement.

What Happens After Unloading?

The monopiles will be stored temporarily at Świnoujście Offshore Terminal, where they will be prepared for transport and subsequent installation at sea. The distance between the port and the BC-Wind offshore wind farm site is 150 nautical miles (approximately 228 kilometres). Installation work is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027.

Installing the foundations is a key stage in the construction of the offshore section of the BC-Wind project. The monopiles for BC-Wind have diameters ranging from 9.5 to 10.5 metres and lengths of approximately 66 to 89 metres — almost the height of a 30-storey building. Transition pieces will be attached to their upper ends, providing the mounting points for the wind turbines. A total of 27 monopiles will be installed at the BC-Wind offshore wind farm: 26 for the wind turbines and one for the offshore electrical substation.

BC-Wind is Ocean Winds’ first project in the Baltic Sea. Located approximately 23 kilometres off the Polish coast, the development will comprise 26 Siemens Gamesa wind turbines with a planned total capacity of 390 MW. The wind farm will be capable of supplying renewable electricity to almost half a million Polish households each year.

Photos: Ocean Winds press release